After some time Hazrat asked for leave from us to complete his other ma’moolaat [devotional practices]. He asked in such a submissive tone and with such entreaty as if he was the junior and we were seniors.
It was already Ishraaq time. But before Hazrat could leave Moulana Deobandi blocked him behind the wall and started conversing with him as if in secrecy. Moulana was whispering. Hazrat’s voice, however, was relatively loud and I could hear what he was saying. The gist of what he said is:
“I see! From what you say I gather that the two guests wish to take bai’t. I was under the impression that you are befitting. In so far as my ma’mool is concerned, you are perhaps aware of it. For many reasons I am not in favour of haste in this matter. Whoever desires bai’t, I want him to engage with me for at least six months. Both parties should examine and investigate each other thoroughly. If an extensive stay is not possible, then at least it should be through correspondence. Without a long engagement, mutual compatibility cannot be ascertained. In this Path [the Path of Islaah and Sulook] the first and foremost condition is compatibility. In the absence of this, mere buzrugi [saintliness] or husn-e-i’tiqaad [favourable opinion] is just not sufficient.
Convey this message to the honourable guests.”
